Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 4) – The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles earned their fifth consecutive finals appearance after beating the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 85-72, in their UAAP Season 84 Final Four matchup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Four Blue Eagles finished in double-digit scoring, with all hitting two triples each to cap off their team’s dominating performance.
BJ Andrade led Ateneo with 16 points while SJ Belangel added 14 markers.
The two other contributors to the balanced scoring of Ateneo are Gian Mamuyac and Dave Ildefonso, who collected 12 and 11 points, respectively.
After a tied first quarter, the Blue Eagles flashed their superior shooting by scoring 33 points in the second quarter for a 49-33 halftime lead over the Tamaraws.
The second half was an easy outing for the reigning champions, anchored on scintillating offense and strong defensive hustle that fended off any comeback attempt by the Tamaraws.
RJ Abarrientos topscored for FEU with 16 points while Brandrey Bienes added 13. Nigerian big man Emman Ojuola capped off his short UAAP stint with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and two steals.
Ateneo awaits the winner of De La Salle University and University of the Philippines as the Katipunan-based dribblers go for their fourth straight title.
The Green Archers forced a decider earlier today after edging the Fighting Maroons in their own Final Four tussle.
The Scores:
ATENEO 85 – Andrade 16, Belangel 14, Mamuyac 12, Ildefonso 11, Kouame 9, Daves 9, Lazaro 4, Verano 3, Koon 3, Chiu 2, Tio 2, Padrigao 0.
FEU 72 – Abarrientos 16, Ojuola 13, Bienes 13, Gonzales 9, Sleat 6, Alforque 5, Tempra 4, Torres 3, Celzo 2, Sajonia 1, Coquia 0.
Quarterscores: 16-16, 49-33, 65-48, 85-72.
